MLB Player News

The Athletics announced Monday that Muncy (hand) has begun a hitting progression, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

The rookie infielder is finally ready to start hitting again after being sidelined since late July with a hairline fracture at the base of the fourth metacarpal in his right hand. Muncy will need time to ramp back up and will likely require a rehab stint before being activated from the 10-day injured list.

The Athletics announced Monday that Lopez has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 flexor strain in his left forearm and has been shut down from throwing, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

Lopez was lit up for nine earned runs on six hits and six walks over two innings during his start in Sunday's 11-4 loss to the Mariners, with the Athletics revealing after the outing that the southpaw was battling forearm tightness. After undergoing an MRI, Lopez now has an official diagnosis of his injury, and manager Mark Kotsay said that the 27-year-old will be officially moved to the 15-day injured list Tuesday. The Athletics are hopeful that Lopez will be able to return at some point before the end of the season, even if it means he's working in a bullpen role, according to Gallegos. Joey Estes pitched in long relief of Lopez on Sunday and is the most likely candidate to enter the rotation as Lopez's replacement during the Athletics' series against the Rangers this coming weekend.

Red Sox manager Alex Cora said Monday that Slaten (shoulder) probably won't require another rehab appearance before being activated from the 60-day injured list, Tim Healey of The Boston Globe reports.

Slaten has made three rehab appearances with Triple-A Worcester, yielding just one unearned run with a 5:1 K:BB over three innings. The reliever has been shelved since late May due to right shoulder inflammation.

Tauchman is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

The White Sox are running out a full lineup of right-handed-hitting options to counter Royals southpaw Noah Cameron, so Tauchman will join fellow left-handed hitters Kyle Teel, Andrew Benintendi and Colson Montgomery on the bench. Michael Taylor will cover right field in place of Tauchman, who will put a six-game hitting streak on hold Monday unless he's called upon off the bench.

Benintendi is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

The White Sox are running out a full lineup of right-handed-hitting options to counter Royals southpaw Noah Cameron, so Benintendi will join fellow left-handed hitters Kyle Teel, Mike Tauchman and Colson Montgomery on the bench. Brooks Baldwin will cover left field in place of Benintendi, who went 8-for-30 (.267 average) with two RBI and four runs while starting in each of the last eight games.

Montgomery is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

The White Sox are running out a full lineup of right-handed-hitting options to counter Royals southpaw Noah Cameron, so Montgomery will join fellow left-handed hitters Kyle Teel, Mike Tauchman and Andrew Benintendi on the bench. Montgomery had started in each of Chicago's previous four games and slugged home runs in the last three contests, bringing his OPS up to .829 over 160 plate appearances since he was promoted from Triple-A Charlotte on July 4.

Teel is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Royals.

The White Sox had deployed the left-handed-hitting Teel in the starting nine at either catcher or designated hitter in each of the last eight contests, but he'll get a breather Monday while the Royals send lefty Noah Cameron to the hill for the series opener. With Teel on the bench, Korey Lee will pick up a start behind the plate, and Edgar Quero will serve as Chicago's DH.

Butler is not in the lineup for Monday's contest against the Tigers.

Butler has not been playing versus tougher left-handers, and Tarik Skubal -- who takes the ball for the Tigers in the series opener -- certainly qualifies. Colby Thomas is covering center field, and JJ Bleday will be in right field for the Athletics on Monday.

Kurtz is absent from the lineup for Monday's contest versus the Tigers.

It's a routine day off for Kurtz, who went hitless during a series in Seattle this past weekend. Brett Harris is starting at first base and batting seventh in Kurtz's stead.

Canzone (wrist) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres but is available off the bench, Adam Jude of The Seattle Times reports.

Canzone said Monday that he received a cortisone shot in his left wrist a few days ago, which has helped his recovery. Though he'll be held out of the starting nine for a sixth straight contest, the left-handed-hitting Canzone's absence may have more to do with the fact that the Mariners are facing a lefty starter (JP Sears) rather than because of any lingering concern about the health of his wrist. Canzone has slashed .286/.379/.388 with one home run and five RBI in 58 plate appearances since Aug. 1.